Valentine’s ball is for our lovely mum (From Swindon Advertiser)

Valentine’s ball is for our lovely mum

7:00pm Sunday 3rd February 2013 in News

TICKETS for a special Valentine’s Ball organised by two teenagers in memory of their beloved mother who died of cancer three months ago have sold out.

Simone and Bryce Chamberlain, who attend Isambard Community School in Redhouse, joined forces with their teachers to organise the event on February 14.

They hope to raise thousands for Prospect Hospice, where their mother Shelley was cared for before she died in October aged just 41.

Fourteen-year-old Simone will be performing her own rendition of Adele’s Skyfall at the opening of the ball and she and her brother have been involved in all aspects of the organising.

Simone said: “I am feeling a little bit nervous. I have singing lessons at school, and it is what I want to do. I think our mum would have been proud of what we are doing.

“We wanted to do something for Prospect Hospice – mum was there for about two weeks before she died.” Shelley was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2008 and married partner Lee in June 2009. In November 2011, she was told the cancer had spread to her brain and lungs and she died on October 11 last year. Her funeral took place on October 29 – what would have been her 42nd birthday.

Helen Boddy, who has helped Simone and Bryce organise the event, said: “We sold out on Friday, which is great news.

Simone’s music teacher Nathan Jones will also be performing with his own jazz band during the night, and there will also be a two-course dinner and an auction.

Auction items on the evening include a paintball experience, a Snowdonia expedition, a week’s accommodation on the Costa al Azhar, a jewellery package, a photoshoot, garden tidy, signed Chelsea football shirt and more.

If anyone is interested in bidding on any of the auction items but cannot attend on the night they can contact Helen before the event by emailing her at helenboddy@ isambard.swindon.sch.uk.